While the silly season is in full swing, the folkier of us are looking beyond the tinsel and jolly man in a red suit, and are planning the trek to this year’s Woodford Folk Festival. If you haven’t yet made your New Years plans, it’s not too late to get in on the folk action and plan a post-Christmas trip to Woodfordia.

For those still on the fence, let’s take a quick look at why this year’s festival is going to be a great time for all.

We’re excited to see some favourites diversify as The Little Stevies become the Teeny Tiny Stevies for their appearances at the Children’s Festival spaces, making the festival, as always, a very family friendly affair. The array of workshops on offer, once again delivers the ultimate in experiences for any festival goer, from yoga to craft, there will be a workshop to suit anyone.

With major infrastructure improvements for this year’s festival, multiple accommodation options to suit every budget and accommodation style, the Woodford Folk Festival is a completely immersive experience where you can choose your own adventure. Whether you participate in The Game, in The Fire Event, or just take in some amazing Australian and international music, it’s the most exciting way to spend your post-Christmas haze.

Whether you visit for a day, or stay for the whole week, there is a journey made just for you. Head over to the website and explore the different journeys you could take at this year’s festival.

Interviews

As always Benji and the Salt Water Sound System have their flock of devotees who seem to follow every event across the land, people who have stayed for the journey as the band evolved out of Ben’s earlier project Southerly Change into the current lineup. The band still has the same feel and a lot of the same personnel, though the tracking of life is leaving the trace of its touch on the face of the band – Elizabeth Walton chats to Benji and the Saltwater Sound System. Interview here

Groote Eylandt born singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara has just released her new single “Ngarrukwujenama” and is gearing up for a huge 2018.

The track was recorded with legendary producer David Bridie and is the first taste of her upcoming album Milyakburra due later this year. “Ngarrukwujenama” is sung in Wurramara’s first language Anindilyakwa and the tile means “I’m hurting”.

“This song was written in response to the mining on Groote Eylandt, and in particular the battle fought by the community, which saw the NT government place a total ban on seabed mining around Groote Eylandt in 2013, respecting the concerns of traditional owners about the destruction of the seabed and cultural songlines,” Emily Wurramara explains. “I’m passionate about protecting this earth and everything living on it. “Ngarrukwujenama” talks about how we all come from the sea and how it’s our duty to protect and cherish her, and the pain we cause when we don’t. The song is an anthem and a reminder to care for this beautiful country.”

Take a listen to “Ngarrukwujenama” here:

Expect to see a lot of Emily Wurramara in the coming months – a couple of live dates that have already been announced are below: